Unit Overview Goal : In this unit, students will learn
23 initials
Single finals
Compound finals
The four tones
Structures of Pinyin
Spelling rules
Technology: Pinyin Input
The structure of Chinese syllables An initial, a final, and a tone form a syllable. Initials consist of consonants or semi-vowels; finals consist of vowels or vowels plus one of the two nasal sounds such as [n] or [ng]. The tone is superimposed over the entire syllable.
Sound
Pronunciation
Making the Sound
a
Pronounced like the a in English father
The mouth is wide open, the tongue is at its lowest, and the lips are unrounded.
o
Pronounced like the o in English more
The opening of the mouth is medium, the tongue position is mid-high and slightly to the back, and the lips are rounded.
e
Pronounced like the ir in English bird
To produce this vowel, first pronounce o, and then change the shape of the mouth from rounded to unrounded; At the same time spread the lips apart, as if you were smiling.
i
Pronounced like the ee in English bee
The opening of the mouth is narrow, the lips are spread, and the tongue position is high and slightly to the front. (except after the initials: z c s, zh ch sh r, details later)
u
Pronounced like the ue in English blue
The opening of the mouth is narrow, the lips are fully rounded, and the tongue position is high and slightly to the back.
ü
Pronounced like the ü in German
To produce this vowel, first pronounce i, and then change the shape of the mouth from unrounded to rounded.
Goal : In this unit, students will learn
The structure of Chinese syllables
An initial, a final, and a tone form a syllable. Initials consist of consonants or semi-vowels; finals consist of vowels or vowels plus one of the two nasal sounds such as [n] or [ng]. The tone is superimposed over the entire syllable.